According to research from UK's Transport Research Laboratory, driving while texting is even more dangerous than driving under the influence of marijuana or alcohol; the DriveAssist phone service developed by Aegis Mobility hopes to make driving safer by restricting a driver's opportunities for distraction behind the wheel.
DriveAssist activates itself automatically using the phone's movement as a guide. It will then intercept calls and hold texts, delivering them when the phone's movement indicates that it is no longer at driving speeds. Received calls are displayed as a log, and in certain situations, DriveAssist can give out the vehicle's location to a caller.
DriveAssist is backed by Nationwide auto insurance; drivers who use the software are given a discount on their insurance. No wireless carriers have adopted DriveAssist yet, but the program is set to roll out next year.
Automatic Car Secretaries
DriveAssist Intercepts Texts and Calls While Driving
Trend Themes
1. Safer Driving Technology - The DriveAssist phone service by Aegis Mobility demonstrates the trend of developing technologies that aim to increase safety on the road by minimizing distractions while driving.
2. Intelligent Interception Systems - DriveAssist's ability to intercept calls and hold texts until the phone is no longer at driving speeds showcases the trend of intelligent interception systems that help reduce driver distractions.
3. Insurance-driven Incentives - The partnership between DriveAssist and Nationwide auto insurance, which offers discounts to drivers using the software, illustrates the trend of insurance companies leveraging technology to incentivize safer driving behavior.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Safety Technology - The development of DriveAssist highlights the opportunities for growth and innovation in the mobile safety technology industry, particularly in creating solutions that prevent distracted driving.
2. Automotive Insurance - The integration of DriveAssist with Nationwide auto insurance presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the automotive insurance industry by leveraging technology to incentivize safer driving habits and reduce risks.
3. Wireless Carrier Services - The forthcoming rollout of DriveAssist and its potential adoption by wireless carriers opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation within the wireless carrier services industry, offering a unique value proposition for subscribers concerned about their safety while driving.